Welcome everyone to another terrific school year! I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a couple of school goals and innovative programs for this school year. Our incredible teachers are busy preparing students for the 21st century skills and experiences needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy. The school is focused on providing students with a relevant and rigorous standards based curriculum. Teachers are using student achievement data to refine their curriculum and benchmark performance exams to the State Standards. Staff development time is being used to analyze student achievement progress using the new Data Director software system. In the area of technology, Western has purchased over $350,000 on instructional technology for our students over the past two years. This includes the purchase of classroom LCD projectors, document cameras, computers, digital cameras, and assorted technology software. The district is also preparing Western for a complete technology infrastructure replacement. New career pathways being implemented this year include Culinary Arts, Education, Multimedia, and the Building Industry Technology Academy pathways. The Pioneer Technology Small Learning Community (PTLC) is being piloted for ninth graders this year. Ninth grade students are linked together with common teachers in English, Math, and Business multimedia classes to create a four-year technology pathway for students. Lastly, the school is exploring the creation of an Arts Academy program to provide a pathway for students interested in pursuing a career the arts. We are continuing our proud tradition of academic excellence here at Western High School. Way to go Pioneers!